Jikarner: Art/Life

Slow Progress.

jikarner — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 02:34:36 +0000

So here are three paintings from the “Unlikely Saints” series I’ve been working on. As you can see, these are pretty detailed (and small), so I start another one when I get frustrated with the one I’m working on. Kinda’ worked out all right for the blog . . . I like showing the process a little.

Unlikely Saints

jikarner — Sun, 15 May 2011 01:25:46 +0000

This project is the evolution of an idea I had back in November. I was trying to come up with ideas for smaller pieces that I could put in a $500-and-less show at work. For some reason, the idea of doing icons came to me. I knew I didn’t want to do traditional Byzantine style icons, and I knew I wanted to–in some small way–open the door of “sainthood.” In Protestant (and especially in Evangelical, it seems) circles, the title of Saint is resisted as something lofty to be bestowed in recognition of great works, an acetic life, and martyrdom. Sainthood has, in fact, been made into an elite status in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. In reaction, “Saint” is rarely used to describe one redeemed and recreated by Christ’s work.

The icons I wanted to create initially would be connecting characters–both good and bad–in the Old Testament with characters in the New Testament. I wanted to do icons of those characters that are under the radar, like Samson or Saul. The deadline for that show passed, however, and so the idea had more time to grow. Through reading and discussion, I really got a sense of all Christians being Saints. Through the Cross, our identity of “Sinner” is destroyed, and we are recreated as “Saint.” ”If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” This revelation of something I had learned but not known challenged everything I felt about the title “Saint.”

Prior to this, the word had negative, elitist associations. I felt that to call someone a Saint somehow put them above the common believer. Which isn’t really such a bad thing: ”consider others better than yourself.” The word also seemed to have implications of an extraordinarily pious life. These notions I had of those venerated as Saints contrasted sharply with people I know who are Saints. Former alcoholics, homosexuals, addicts, criminals–those the least likely to be venerated, yet in God’s eyes, some of the most useful. So that’s what this series is about: Unlikely Saints. If the truth were known about us, we’d all be included.

Doula Foundation Auction

jikarner — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:41:51 +0000

A few weeks ago, my boss asked if I’d paint on a set of tables from our store to donate for the local Doula Foundation‘s art auction. In typical artist fashion, I waited until the last week to work on them. After a couple all-nighters, they were delivered with still-sticky polyurethane, but they got done. And they didn’t look terrible–which is good.

I wanted to show how the Doula Foundation helps provide a good childhood to kids by supporting their parents, who are often low income. To represent childhood, Becca and I ran to the thrift store to buy a bunch of children’s books for the decoupage on the tables. Because doulas use their hands so much in their work, I thought it would be appropriate imagery to paint over the decoupage.

The auction was fun, and this little project got me motivated to keep working on stuff for my show. Plus, I now have photographic proof that I’ve been working.

(Photos (and some decoupage and polyurethane) courtesy Becca)

Back to Work.

jikarner — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 01:25:58 +0000

So . . . I haven’t posted anything in a LONG time. I know, it’s pathetic. In my defense, I have no internet at home, and I’m too busy to spend an hour a week at a coffee shop uploading stuff. Ok, so that’s not much of a defense.

I also haven’t had much art-related stuff to post about for way too long. It’s been pretty frustrating. In fact, it’s a situation I’ve been prayerfully contemplating here lately. I’ve been led to start an art-outreach though my awesome church, Center City aimed mainly at the homeless folks on Commercial Street near our building. The crux is that I’ve been using the whole “I-work-40-hours-a-week-and-have-no-time-or-energy” excuse to get out of making art or doing work to get the ministry going. Truthfully, I’ve been spending a lot of free time reading or watching movies or being generally lazy.

Fortunately, since I started writing this post (back in November . . . seriously, I’ve gotta do something about my internet situation), I have started working on both my own art and on the Arts Ministry. I still have a long way to go toward working diligently, but in the past couple of months I have been way more productive than all of last year. And I’ll have to get more productive, as I have a show coming up in September. I’m also going to work on posting more often. So, Whomever still looks at this thing from time to time, expect more out of me.

I’m pretty excited.

Old(ish) New News

jikarner — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:44:24 +0000

Here’s a link to a video by the talented Aaron Johnson about our trip to Juarez. Enjoy!

Don’t think I’ve forgotten you…

jikarner — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 22:11:46 +0000

Matt and Misty came up to visit me on their way home to Colorado, and brought home the drawings that the children of Juarez drew for me on my trip! I am excited to begin work on them, but need a couple sheets of plexiglass (which I’ve learned is expensive) for the project. Updates with pictures soon to come!

Juarez + Art

jikarner — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:15:32 +0000

The past five days have been incredible. Sunday through Monday night, Matt, Misty, and I camped and climbed at Hueco Tanks Wildlife Preserve outside of El Paso. It is quite an experience being in the desert. I can only imagine what revelations one would receive spending 40 days alone out there. God spoke to the three of us in very real, very inspiring ways. Tuesday morning, I made a point to watch the sun rise over the mountains here. I could write volumes about that experience. It was definitely a much needed time for meditation and rejuvenation before diving headlong into the work in Juarez.

Yesterday evening the group of art students from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) arrived and got settled in. Today, we gathered trash from the neighborhood and sorted it for various projects to do with the local school-kids. It has really been an amazing time with these artists and in this city. God is beginning something amazing here, and he’s doing it with a “secular” group! Tomorrow, we’ll be having about 30 school kids coming over to do some little art projects, one of which will be writing/drawing their stories for me to take home!

I am so blessed and excited to share hope and beauty with the next generation of the people of this neighborhood. There is so much beauty here. Both in nature, and in the faces of the people. My prayer is that the people here will be able to see past all the trash and violence and death to see it. My prayer is that I will allow myself–and my gifts–to be used by God for this purpose

Juarez.

jikarner — Sat, 01 May 2010 02:49:23 +0000

Several months ago, my cousin, Matthew, and his wife, Misty, asked if I would come to Juarez to make some art for their ministry there. I was ecstatic. It has been a frustrating, restless time since they asked until now. It is great to finally be here––on the ground––in the thick of what they are doing. In the next few days, I’ll begin working with the local school children to help them make art that I will use to make art. My heart leaps within me at the thought of it!

The past day and a half, I’ve spent with Matt and Misty getting into their life and getting to know their neighborhood. It is amazing! There is so much potential here for miracles. I met their Mexican counterparts, Juan and Carmen, today, and look forward to working with them as well. Here are some pics!

Art for Juarez

jikarner — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:28:05 +0000

It has been a LOOONG time since I have had anything worthwhile to post here, but this is definitely worth a post. In less than a week I’ll be traveling to Juarez, Mexico to begin an art project that will be the beginning of the ministry God has called me to. I will be working with children––having them draw and write about their lives in Juarez––in order to make pieces about them. I have no idea how fast these pieces will come together, but they will comprise a benefit show once they are complete! I am ecstatic!

The show.

jikarner — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:41:27 +0000